Brisbane Lions AFL premiership legend Aaron Shattock has been placed in an induced coma after he was crushed under an excavator.
The 44-year-old father of three was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital with multiple severe and life-threatening chest injuries after the digger had rolled onto him.
It is understood that emergency services arrived at his property at around 2pm (AEDT) on Sunday.
The Labrador Football Club have provided an update on the former football star, writing on social media: ‘On behalf of the Labrador Australian Football Club, we send our thoughts, love, and prayers to the Shattock family during this challenging time.
‘We can confirm that Aaron was involved in an excavator accident on his property on Sunday afternoon. He is currently in an induced coma at Gold Coast University Hospital, where he will remain under observation in the coming days.
‘”Shatts” is dearly loved by his family, friends and the entire Labrador community. A true Labrador person and life member. Aaron has been a significant part of our club since 2007- as a player, assistant coach, senior coach and committee member. His passion for our club is unmatched and his presence is deeply valued.
Aaron Shattock has been taken to hospital following a freak accident involving a digger
The former Brisbane star is understood to have been trapped under the piece of machinery after it rolled over on him
‘Our thoughts are with Aaron’s family and we kindly ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.’
The Brisbane Lions also released a statement on Sunday evening to confirm that Shattock had undergone emergency surgery.
Triple premiership winner Micahel Voss described Shattock as a ‘ripping good fella’ and said to the club’s website: ‘I can’t believe it … it’s terrible at any time but just before Christmas is even worse. Our prayers are with him and his family.’
Shattock, a premiership winner, made 57 appearances for Brisbane between 2000 and 2004.
He notably came on as an interchange during the 2002 Grand Final, helping the Lions beat Collingwood.
He’d later move to Port Adelaide where he’d make 11 appearances before being delisted by the club in 2006.
‘Emergency services had to use the jaws of life to free the 44-year-old before he was taken to hospital with severe chest injuries,’ 7News said.
It is understood that emergency services arrived on the scene just before at 2pm (AEDT).
Police are also understood to be investigating the incident.
Shattock (left) would help Brisbane win the 2002 AFL Grand Final, coming on as an interchange
The footy star also played 11 games for Port Adelaide between 2005 and 2006
AFL reporter Tom Morris also took to X to reveal the news, writing: ‘Thoughts are with his family, friends and former team-mates who are rallying around him’
It is understood that Shattock had been working on his property when the incident. Reports say he had been trapped under the digger for some time.
Shattock also won the AFLQ Grand Final with Brisbane back in 2001.
After retiring from the AFL, Shattock moved to the Gold Coast and would take up a role as a player-coach with QAFL side Labrador.
He’d eventually become a senior coach at the club.
Journalist Tom Morris took to X to announce the news.
‘Some really concerning news out of Qld this afternoon,’ Morris wrote.
‘@brisbanelions 2002 premiership player Aaron Shattock was caught under an excavator he was driving and suffered life-threatening injuries.
‘The 44-year old is in a critical condition at Gold Coast University Hospital.
‘Thoughts are with his family, friends & former teammates who are rallying around him.’
